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Leading UK tea producer for North Tyneside

Tea production will return to North Shields following the purchase of the former Twinings site by one of the UK’s leading tea producers.

Keith Spicer Ltd (Spicers) is a Bournemouth based company, producing a range of speciality teas and own brand products for some of the largest retailers.

It is part of the larger international Harris Group which operates in over 15 locations globally.

“This is great news for North Tyneside and the wider North East” said North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley welcoming the company’s confirmation of its purchase.

During a meeting with the company representatives at the Earl Grey Way site today (July 4) Mrs Arkley heard of the company’s plans from Spicer’s Chief Operating Officer, Andy Pepper.

The site itself is currently being prepared to meet the company’s growth plans. Spicers is investing in machinery and equipment with the aim of beginning production before the end of the year.

Recruitment for key positions at the Earl Grey Way site has begun. .

Numbers of staff will be small at first but they will increase as production ramps up to a three shift operation at the purpose built factory site.

Elected Mrs Arkley said: “I am delighted that such a prestigious company as Spicers have chosen North Tyneside to expand their production base in the UK.

“We have a very talented workforce here in North Tyneside and I am confident that Spicers will thrive in our borough and be a real driver to the economy of the North East.”

North Tyneside Council is supporting the company in its recruitment and training needs in advance of the start on site.

It is also helping Spicers to explore alternative sources of energy for the site and to establish links with local suppliers to further boost the local economy.

“We’re very excited to bring tea production back to Earl Grey Way and are very much looking forward to establishing our second manufacturing site in the UK, here in North Shields” commented Andy Pepper.

Spicers are a leading blender and packer of private label tea in the UK. This position has been achieved by adhering to high quality standards and a flexible approach to supplying what the market place requires.

From sourcing the ingredients through to packaging, design and delivery of the product, Spicers prides itself in being able to manage the supply chain for its customers. The Company has BRC Accreditation, Soil Association Accreditation and is F.L.O registered.

Spicers is one of the UK’s major suppliers of tea but the origins of the company, dates back to 1934 when 24-year-old Keith Spicer founded the business, using the parlour of the family home in Bournemouth as the blending department and the distribution fleet consisting of a well used but serviceable butchers bicycle.

The company grew rapidly becoming an important supplier to the local hotel and catering industries and by 1970 had moved to purpose built premises near Bournemouth.

On December 31st, 2010 the company was acquired by the Harris Group (www.harrisfreeman.com).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jeanette Hedley .